The Prostate

What's the most common health complaint for middle-aged and older men?

THE PROSTATE!(Technically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) If you fall into this category then read this Statistics confirm that you have a one in three chance of developing a prostate problem at some stage in your life.

Here's the good news. Most serious prostate problems are avoidable! New findings published recently, report that there is a link between consuming a greater amount of folate with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.

Promising findings are not they?

In 1999 it was revealed that almost 25,000 men were diagnosed as having prostate cancer and this number is expected to continue increasing.

Reduce the risk by over a third! Folate is the form of the B vitamin folic acid that naturally occurs in leafy green vegetables like spinach. Folic acid is essential for the proper synthesis and repair of DNA and therefor for cell division.

Although commonly referred to as an essential vitamin for pregnant women, new findings have found that folic acid is as important for men.In a case-control study of prostate cancer over a period of 11 years researchers in Italy analyzed data from almost 1300 patients.

All diagnosed with prostate cancer! This was compared to 1,451 patients with growths (but not associated with tumors or cancer) who were admitted to the same hospital. Researchers then evaluated over 78 different foods that had been eaten by these patients up to two years prior to their diagnosis or hospital admission.

It was found that Folate intake was directly related to prostate cancer risk! A 34% LOWER risk of prostate cancer was found in men who included a lot of folate in their diets. This was compared to men whose intake of folate was significantly lower and based on these findings it was concluded that there is a very strong relationship between a high intake of folate and lower levels of cancer.

So mum was right all those years ago – Eat your greens because they're good for you "

Another Product known to benefit the prostate issue is Saw Palmetto, a product used as a treatment of its symptoms. Many men regularly use both products. Studies have shown that it is effective in decreasing symptoms associated with BPH. Saw Palmetto appears to have efficiency similar to that of medications like Finasteride.

It is also believed to be easier for the body to tolerate and of course it is much cheaper. There are no known drug interactions with Saw Palmetto, and reported side effects are minor and rare. No data on its long-term usage are available however. Today, Saw Palmetto remains the leading selling of natural prostate remedies, out selling all other herbal products combined . The conclusion? Protect your prostate by increasing your intake of folate and seriously considering adding Saw Palmetto to your daily supplement take.

Food information!

Foods high in folate include: Dark green leafy vegetables like greens, spinach, broccoli, eggs, orange juice, fortified breakfast cereals and vitamin supplements (in the form of folic acid). The recommended dose for folic acid is 400 micrograms daily, and 320mg of Saw Palmetto, both preferably taken at mealtimes.